Design trends 2025: our designers’ top picks & how to apply them

As we step into 2025, design continues to evolve, reflecting modern consumers’ shifting values, technology and preferences. This year, the spotlight is on trends that blend aesthetics with functionality, all while keeping user experience a main priority. To offer a deeper perspective, we’ve collaborated with our designers, who share their thoughts on these emerging trends and practical ways to incorporate them into web design. In the upcoming paragraphs you’ll learn how to stay ahead of the curve and create impactful digital storefronts for the future.

Trend 1: Pantone color 2025

Stated as the trendy color of 2025 by Adobe, these deep, velvety dark tones serve to dominate, evoking a sense of luxury. Pantone is known for spot-on trend predictions, and this year’s pick, Mocha Mousse, is no exception. This specific tone is the perfect neutral shade, bringing a cozy feeling while still looking sophisticated and modern. It’s an ideal choice for brands that want to be both approachable and sophisticated in their design.

Mocha Mousse is more than a color—it’s a strategic design choice. Its balance makes it ideal for webshops looking to create an inviting yet premium feel.

Evelyn | Graphic designer at Radikal

Trend 2: High contrast colours

According to Adobe’s Trends in Q1, the clash of warm and cool tones will be one of the trendiest color combinations in web design this year. Designers are moving away from muted, pastel-heavy designs, embracing bold color combinations in the new year. Aside from aesthetics, this design choice also serves a functional purpose. High-contrast color schemes improve readability, enhance accessibility and make websites overall more engaging for its users.

High-contrast colors guide the user’s eye and make key elements impossible to miss.
In e-commerce, grabbing attention fast is crucial. These color combinations help highlight important details like call-to-action buttons, promotions, and product features.

Contrast colours influence decision-making,
guiding users effortlessly in the buyers’ journey.
Anouk, Graphic designer at radikal

Trend 3: Retromania

Out with the new, in with the old! Retro nostalgia is making a strong comeback this year, inviting its classic styles back into the design scene. Designers are reviving bold serif fonts, hand-drawn illustrations, and vintage textures, blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist. Inspired by neo-brutalism, neo-psychedelia, and vintage cartoons, these classic elements are reclaiming their spot as go-to choices for creatives.

Retro design doesn’t only look cool—it’s a powerful tool to evoke emotions and build connections. Retro elements such as bold typography, nostalgic textures, and playful illustrations can make a brand stand out from the crowded market, making them feel authentic and memorable. While this trend won’t stick around forever, it’s a strong design choice worth considering. Its authentic character helps brands stand out and leave a lasting impression on clients.

retro design proves that the past can be a powerful tool for modern storytelling.

Evelyn, Graphic designer at Radikal

Trend 4: Micro-Interactions

According to Elementor, these small animations or interactive responses to user actions are key in 2025 to boost user engagement.

Micro-interactions are usually triggered when a visitor clicks, hovers, or taps on a particular design or web element. For example, think of the times you’ve hovered your cursor over a call-to-action (CTA) button, and it changes colors or has a shadow.

Although it varies from case to case, micro-interactions have become a staple in our designs over the past year. From button animations to “Shop the look” features and subtle motion effects throughout the webshop, these small touches enhance the user experience. They help guide shoppers, keep them engaged and provide visual cues that boost purchasing decisions.

Trend 5: Bento UI

Bento UI is all about clean, organized layouts, just like a Japanese bentobox. It keeps content neat, easy to navigate, and visually appealing —no wonder sites like Airbnb and Pinterest have hopped on the trend!

Bento UI is built on a simple grid, like 3×3 or 4×4, but designers mix up block sizes to keep things fun and dynamic. This layout has a modern look and feel, while still being structured and easy to navigate, naturally guiding the visitor’s eye through the content.

This style is a great fit for e-commerce. It displays items beautifully, even when there’s a wide range of products, without making customers feel overwhelmed or lost in the navigation. Thanks to its clean and clutter-free nature, visitors can easily browse and find what they are looking for, all while having a stress-free shopping experience.